Just a brief reminder–these are “mini-readings” and are offered for free to one person each week who sends me the four cards (s)he has drawn in response to the intention, “Please give me some insight into __________.” The blank can be filled in with whatever the seeker wishes as long as the question is hers/his (not info about someone else’s life). I ask that the seeker NOT tell me the topic of interest and understand that all readings are for NOW–they are not intended as predictions and are totally subject to free will. Even a one-card-draw is valid, and a three-card reading just as well; a full reading consists of eleven cards with a twelfth drawn as a summary. Fuller explanations of each of the cards can be found in the book Tarot for All Time, available in paperback, ebook, and downloadable PDF at http://www.tarotforalltime.com

H.W. has submitted the cards above for interpretation. The first three cards are the “heart” of the reading and are read as a unit. Then, the fourth card is drawn and read as a summary or clarifier. It is only when we reach the fourth card that we have two-or-more-of-a-kind in number and/or suit, so it is safe to say that this reading focuses on swords, overcoming conflict.

The spotlight has been on the ace of swords, a triumph of rising above conflict. This card speaks of the single-pointed determination necessary to cut through all the ancillary issues. H.W. triumphs when (s)he figures out what (s)he wants and puts all her/his efforts into getting it, temporarily ignoring everything and everyone else. Any hurt feelings and misunderstandings can be addressed AFTER the goal is secured.

The spotlight is now on the four of cups, failure to acknowledge an opportunity in the area of feelings, emotions, and psychic abilities in an effort to feel safe and grounded. H.W. is reluctant to allow the possibility of expanding her/his emotional boundaries because (s)he doesn’t want to get hurt again. There are no guarantees except for the fact that sitting under the tree with her/his heart protected keeps her/him stuck. It’s time to add a fourth cup to the foundation to make it stronger and better balanced. Even if this fourth cup does not bring all that is desired, H.W. has the right to change her/his mind; it’s worth trying.

The spotlight is moving toward the five of cups, an indication that something is perceived of as missing and/or absent. The message of this card is that resource is always at hand. H.W. is being asked to move her/his attention away from what ISN’T there onto appreciation for what IS there. It is important to be gentle and patient with oneself at this time and refrain from judgment, self-pity, and depression. This is a time of choosing, as are all the 5’s, and of knowing there is support and encouragement to continue the journey.

The summary card is the six of swords, which speaks of trying to be of service and healing in a conflict situation. H.W. is encouraged to keep the situation as light as possible in order to move the situation from the rough waters into the smooth. It is important to speak words of hope and progress and maintain a sense of humor. When the reading is taken as a whole, it looks as if H.W. is looking at redefining a relationship in order to be consistent with current reality. Even if it were possible to turn back time and return all parties to their former selves, it would not significantly influence the current situation. H.W. is advised to be grateful for what WAS and to deal with what IS in as light a manner as possible. There must be a commitment to investing in the positive and moving beyond the negative.